Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: October 4, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Roseann Harrington, Chief of Staff, County Mayor’s Office
PHONE: 407-836-7370
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2401, Providing Orange County Digital Support Services, and Digital Literacy Skills Training Program Inclusive of an English as a Second Language Component, Federal Subrecipient Agreement
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2401, Providing Orange County Digital Support Services, and Digital Literacy Skills Training Program Inclusive of an English as a Second Language Component, Federal Subrecipient Agreement, between Orange County and University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc., in the amount not-to-exceed $3,015,000 for a two-year term.
Further request Board authorization of delegation of authority to the Procurement Division Manager or designee to execute such Federal Subrecipient Agreement on a form approved by the County Attorney’s Office and Risk Management Division. ([County Mayor Innovation and Emerging Technologies Office] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This Subaward was issued from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (the “Recovery Fund” or “Federal Award”) allocation received by the County on May 18, 2021.
The project goal is to provide digital support services and digital literacy skills training, including a component for English as a Second Language. The subaward period of performance is upon contract execution through December 31, 2026.
FUNDING:
Funds are available in accounting line 5896-019-8632-3197. This procurement is federally funded through ARPA.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part I, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
Orange County Government is continuing their efforts toward broadband and digital equity programs through their device loaner, digital literacy and skills training programs, and opportunities for residents to have access to critical services such as specialized skills training, education, workforce development, and healthcare opportunities.
On March 29, 2023, Orange County Government entered in contract with Charter Communications to build fiber infrastructure to communities that were identified as “unserved” for access to high-speed internet. This project is ongoing. On October 25, 2023, Orange County entered into contract with Aeras Foundation, Inc. to manage the County’s Device Loaner Program (through Orange County’s non-profit partners), to assist the following populations: seniors, homeless, sheltered, working poor, English as a second language, veterans, disabled, and other disadvantaged groups who are unable to, or experience difficulty with, taking advantage of mental and medical healthcare services; government programs such as unemployment, licensing, and registrations; training and skills programs; other critical social needs due to the unaffordability of, and lack of access to, broadband infrastructure, digital literacy training, and/or digital devices.
Orange County seeks to expand services that support the existing Device Loaner program.
These additional services will include:
1. Implementation of a specialized technical support Digital Navigator Program.
The Digital Navigator Program is intended to provide technical support services to residents who have received devices through Orange County’s Device Loaner Program, providing support for hardware and software troubleshooting, not intended for direct device repair services. A three-step approach to the specialized support services will be offered to Orange County participants to include: call-in/phone support services, face-to-face support to be accommodated at Orange County’s Community Centers, and limited homebound services.
The University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc. will work with Orange County and Aeras Foundation, Inc. to conduct a community needs assessment with non-profit organizations to identify the specific requirements and challenges faced by device loaner users. This task includes surveying and documenting participants’ technology needs.
The proposed Digital Navigator program tasks will include:
a. Phase 1 - Design and implementation of a project demonstration, inclusive of curriculum development.
b. Phase 2 - Design and implementation of a specialized Tier II technical support services program offering.
2. Implementation of a countywide Digital Literacy and Skills Training Program inclusive of an English as a Second Language component.
This Digital Literacy and Skills Training Program will provide residents with essential digital literacy skills including basic computer use, internet navigation, online safety and the use of common software applications for residents and will also include residents whose primary language is other than English. By delivering these training programs in strategically selected communities, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. This initiative will prioritize underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to technology and education. By fostering digital proficiency, we can enhance job prospects, support economic development, and improve overall quality of life for residents. Staff projects an estimated 8,000 clients will be served as a result of this funding.